Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
On the cusp of winter migration, a hummingbird works through worries about its looming journey to "the warm south" in a candidly told first-person narrative from Karas (Almost Time). The ruby-throated avian's nervousness is apparent from the start; while other birds chirp incessantly about "the big trip," the protagonist loses its appetite. Expressing myriad fears (of getting lost, growing fatigued), the worried speaker subtly weaves scientific information into the text, describing how "hummingbirds don't fly in groups. They fly alone all that way, for days and days." Encouraged by supportive friends ("You go through this every year"), Hummingbird envisages "my warm winter home and how good I feel when I'm there" until the time to depart arrives. Ensuing multi-spread scenes--captured via spare, loose drawings layered over textured paper--underscore the incredible distance being crossed, even as text suggests that the subject's unease never fully dissipates ("So much flying! I should be there by now"). The reluctant traveler's journey from anxious to confident forms the heart of this sensitive, science-led story, and the final arrival at "home, sweet winter home" offers an ample sense of accomplishment and relief. An endnote supplies further facts. Ages 4--8. (Feb.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3--Karas adeptly combines words and pictures in this charming tale of hummingbird migration. The story follows one anxious hummingbird who frets over the upcoming long journey south. While his friends fuel up and prepare, he worries about getting lost or finding enough food--but when the time comes, he finds the courage to take flight. Gentle watercolor illustrations capture the spirit and determination of the tiny traveler, and readers will marvel at the great distances hummingbirds travel on their tiny wings. Back matter provides more details about migration. VERDICT A heartwarming and informative story reassuring children that even the smallest creatures can overcome big challenges.--Heidi Dechief
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
In this deft work of informational fiction, doubts beset a tiny flier. It isn't that our hummingbird narrator hasn't made the flight from the northern to southern hemisphere before. But it's such a daunting voyage that the protagonist is beset by anxiety whenever the trip comes up in thought or conversation. The days are getting shorter and cooler, and while all the other hummingbirds talk it up, "All I do is worry about the big trip." It would be different if they could all go together, but "hummingbirds don't fly in groups." Still, friends and family are supportive in the lead-up to the journey, and as the day in question arrives, our minuscule hero just goes for it. It takes a lot of work, and the little bird encounters some doubts near the end, but finally, "There it is. Home, sweet winter home." A closing note written from the perspective of the hummingbird offers additional facts about this flight. Laudably, Karas acknowledges the stress that accompanies a big life change, even one you've experienced before. Kids who feel a bit of anxiety as they return to school each year--or who must confront other life changes on their own--will appreciate this one. Karas adeptly sets his protagonist amid intricately detailed backgrounds where the bird is always visually dwarfed by the larger surroundings. Flitting and flying with a confidence that its hero initially lacks, this small tale soars.(Picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
